Now for something totally new to Youtube! Layamon's fantastic Early Middle English Brut Chronicle (written c. 1200-1225) includes an extensive section on King Arthur, which is actually the first time Arthur and his ilk are brought into the English language. This is not the fanciful, romantic Arthur that you know and love, but a brutal warrior, characterized by his cunning and ruthlessness. This marks the beginning of the English Arthurian tradition, so don't expect any fancy grail quests, or Lancelot; this narrative of Arthur is one of pure, unadulterated warfare. The bit I have selected comes from the section in which Arthur, the Britain, seeks revenge against Childric, the Saxon, for having doubled crossed him. It also includes a nice description of Arthur's armaments, similar to the description of Beowulf's gear in the epic of poem which bears his name. A translation is included below. Enjoy! Lines 10510 - 10579, translated into modern English: Then said Arthur, noblest of kings: Alas, alas, that I spared my foe, that I did not starve him to death in the forest, or cut him to pieces with my sword! Now he rewards me for my good deed! But, so help me God, who created the light of day, he shall suffer for it the most bitter affliction, harsh treatment - I will be his slayer! I will slaughter both Colgrim and Baldof, and all their followers shall suffer death. If the ruler of heaven grants it, I will fittingly avenge all his wicked deeds. If life might endure in my breast <b>...</b>
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